Tobin Center's new CEO has CFO skills

By Deborah Martin |
April 29, 2013
| Updated: April 30, 2013 1:22am

Michael J. Fresher said being selected to lead the Tobin Center “is one of the best jobs to get.”

Photo By San Antonio Express-News

Michael J. Fresher President and Chief Executive Officer of the Tobin Center talk to Saen staff about his position.

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen Wednesday May 28, 2014
in an aerial image taken with a quadcopter and an action sports-style
camera.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen Wednesday May 28, 2014 in an aerial image taken with a quadcopter and an action sports-style camera.

Photo By Courtesy Tobin Center

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts opens with a 10: 30 a.m. dedication ceremony Sept. 4 at the site of the former Municipal Auditorium downtown.

Photo By TOM REEL

Brent Jordan uses a tall ladder as workers unveil the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts lettering above the entrance to the new building on July 25, 2014.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Interior of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts inside the the H-E-B Performance Hall on Tuesday, August 12, 2014.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Workers try to get the chairs on the bottom level of the H-E-B Performance Hall to go underneath the floor Aug. 20, 2014 as they try to get it to a flat floor inside the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts for its opening date of Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Interior of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts inside the the H-E-B Performance Hall on Tuesday, August 12, 2014.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Finishing touches are done to the H-E-B Performance Hall Aug. 20, 2014 inside the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts for its opening date of Sept. 4, 2014.

Marmon Mok Architecture associates take a tour of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, August 12, 2014.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is doing the finishing touches for its opening date of Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Marmon Mok Architecture Associate Partner Mary Bartlett takes in a view of the grand lobby in the Interior of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, August 12, 2014.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is doing the finishing touches for its opening date of Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Lights along the Medal of Honor Walk of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts can be seen in the steps when coming up from the Riverwalk.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Workers try to get the chairs on the bottom level of the H-E-B Performance Hall to go underneath the floor Aug. 20, 2014 as they try to get it to a flat floor inside the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts for its opening date of Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Workers try to get the chairs on the bottom level of the H-E-B Performance Hall to go underneath the floor Aug. 20, 2014 as they try to get it to a flat floor inside the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts for its opening date of Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Finishing touches are done to the H-E-B Performance Hall Aug. 20, 2014 inside the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts for its opening date of Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Finishing touches are done to the H-E-B Performance Hall Aug. 20, 2014 inside the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts for its opening date of Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Finishing touches are done to the H-E-B Performance Hall Aug. 20, 2014 inside the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts for its opening date of Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Workers disperse after getting all the chairs on the bottom level of the H-E-B Performance Hall to go underneath the floor Aug. 20, 2014 to become the flat floor seen, inside the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Workers disperse after getting all the chairs on the bottom level of the H-E-B Performance Hall to go underneath the floor Aug. 20, 2014 to become the flat floor seen, inside the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

The Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater is a smaller venue in the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts where more intimate performances can be held.

Christopher Novosad waits for the lights to come on inside in the Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater Aug. 20, 2014 inside the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts as finishing touches were being done for its opening date of Sept. 4, 2014. The Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater is for more intimate performances

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts has finishing touches done Wednesday, Aug. 2014 for its opening date of Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By CYNTHIA ESPARZA/FOR THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts has finishing touches done Wednesday, Aug. 2014 for its opening date of Sept. 4, 2014.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Exterior of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, August 21, 2014.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Exterior of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, August 21, 2014.

Photo By Courtesy Tobin Center

The AT&T Sky Wall will display twinkling lights, scrolling words and images on the aluminum-panel skin around the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on event nights, starting opening night, Sept. 4.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The Tower of the Americas pokes Thursday May 22, 2014 over one of the domes of the original Municipal Auditorium at the still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts site in downtown San Antonio.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen Wednesday May 21, 2014 in San Anotnio.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen Wednesday May 21, 2014 in San Anotnio.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen Thursday May 22, 2014 in San Antonio.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The lobby of the still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen Thursday May 22, 2014 in San Antonio.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The lobby of the still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen Thursday May 22, 2014 in San Antonio.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The facade of the still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen Wednesday May 21, 2014 in San Antonio.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The facade of the still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen Wednesday May 21, 2014 in San Antonio.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The facade of the still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen Wednesday May 21, 2014 in San Antonio.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

Architectural details are seen Thursday May 22, 2014 at the still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen Thursday May 22, 2014 in San Anotnio.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

This composite photo made from four separate images Wednesday May 21, 2014 shows a panoramic view of the inside of the still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in downtown San Antonio

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

Workers run bundles of cables through the rage area of the still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Thursday May 22, 2014 in San Anotnio.

Photo By Courtesy photo

Hannibal Pianta probably did the decorative concrete work on the facade of the Municipal Auditorium, which opens this fall as the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.

Photo By San Antonio Express-News file photo

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts will have a 20-day opening celebration starting Sept. 4. For the center's first year, nearly 250 performances have been booked.

Photo By SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Construction continues Friday March 14, 2014 at the Tobin Center for the Performing arts. New seating will be installed there March 31, 2014. The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts opens in fall 2014.

Photo By Benjamin Olivo/mysA.com

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts recently at dusk.

Movable luxury box chairs made by SE&O Seating of San Antonio also will be used at the Tobin Center.

Photo By Photos by John Davenport / San Antonio Express-News

These are some of the prototypes of chairs chosen for fixed seating areas at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The center will have 1,600 such seats, which will be installed starting next month. They are made by hand in Colombia, and the entire set cost about $800,000.

Photo By Cynthia Esparza/For the San Antonio Express-News

People look at the progress on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 as an announcements are made about the Tobin Wall of Memories, where people are being asked to send photos and their memories from events at the Municipal Auditorium and the announcement of a $1,250,000 gift from the Mays Family Foundation. The Tobin Center is set to open in September 2014.

Photo By Cynthia Esparza/For the San Antonio Express-News

People look at the progress on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 as an announcements are made about the Tobin Wall of Memories, where people are being asked to send photos and their memories from events at the Municipal Auditorium and the announcement of a 1,250,000 gift from the Mays Family Foundation. The Tobin Center is set to open in September 2014.

Photo By Cynthia Esparza/For the San Antonio Express-News

People look at the progress on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 as an announcements are made about the Tobin Wall of Memories, where people are being asked to send photos and their memories from events at the Municipal Auditorium and the announcement of a 1,250,000 gift from the Mays Family Foundation. The Tobin Center is set to open in September 2014.

Photo By Cynthia Esparza/For the San Antonio Express-News

People look at the progress on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 as an announcements are made about the Tobin Wall of Memories, where people are being asked to send photos and their memories from events at the Municipal Auditorium and the announcement of a $1,250,000 gift from the Mays Family Foundation. The Tobin Center is set to open in September 2014.

Photo By Cynthia Esparza/For the San Antonio Express-News

People look at the progress on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 as an announcements are made about the Tobin Wall of Memories, where people are being asked to send photos and their memories from events at the Municipal Auditorium and the announcement of a $1,250,000 gift from the Mays Family Foundation. The Tobin Center is set to open in September 2014.

Photo By Cynthia Esparza/For the San Antonio Express-News

Lowry Mays speaks with Diane Warren inside the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts before the start of a program Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 announcing the Tobin Wall of Memories, where people are being asked to send photos and their memories from events at the Municipal Auditorium and the announcement of a gift of $1,250,000 to the Capital Campaign from Mays Family Foundation. The original faade and foyer Ð the Òfront doorÓ of the original Municipal Auditorium which will also become the front door for The Tobin Ð will henceforth be known as the ÒMays Family Historic Faade and Foyer.Ó The Tobin Center is set to open in September 2014.

Photo By Cynthia Esparza/For the San Antonio Express-News

Mike Fresher (left),CEO of Tobin Center for the Performing Arts listens to County Judge Nelson Wolff after both spoke about the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 as an announcements were made about the Tobin Wall of Memories, where people are being asked to send photos and their memories from events at the Municipal Auditorium and the announcement of a $1,250,000 gift from the Mays Family Foundation. The Tobin Center is set to open in September 2014.

Photo By Cynthia Esparza/For the Express-News

People look at the progress on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 as an announcements are made about the Tobin Wall of Memories, where people are being asked to send photos and their memories from events at the Municipal Auditorium and the announcement of a $1,250,000 gift from the Mays Family Foundation. The Tobin Center is set to open in September 2014.

Photo By Cynthia Esparza/For the San Antonio Express-News

Sofia Prestigiacomo takes a panoramic photo with her phone of the inside of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 as an announcements are made about the Tobin Wall of Memories, where people are being asked to send photos and their memories from events at the Municipal Auditorium and the announcement of a $1,250,000 gift from the Mays Family Foundation. The Tobin Center is set to open in September 2014.

Photo By Cynthia Esparza/For the San Antonio Express-News

People look at the progress on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 as an announcements are made about the Tobin Wall of Memories, where people are being asked to send photos and their memories from events at the Municipal Auditorium and the announcement of a $1,250,000 gift from the Mays Family Foundation. The Tobin Center is set to open in September 2014.

Photo By Cynthia Esparza/For the San Antonio Express-News

People look at the progress on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 as an announcements are made about the Tobin Wall of Memories, where people are being asked to send photos and their memories from events at the Municipal Auditorium and the announcement of a $1,250,000 gift from the Mays Family Foundation. The Tobin Center is set to open in September 2014.

Photo By TOM REEL

The Tobin Center for the Perfoming Arts, a $203 million “little adventure,” in the words J. Bruce Bugg, chairman of the Bexar County Performing Arts Foundation, which owns and operates the facility, is 273 days from opening night on Sept. 4. For more details about the progress, please visit our subscriber website ExpressNews.com.

Photo By TOM REEL

Construction on the Tobin Center continues on November 26, 2013.

Photo By TOM REEL

This view from the stage shows construction on the Tobin Center on November 26, 2013.

Photo By TOM REEL

Construction on the Tobin Center shows the view from the stage of the 1,750-seat H-E-B Permormance Hall on November 26, 2013.

Photo By TOM REEL

Workers install the flooring system during early construction on the Tobin Center on November 26, 2013. The photograph shows the view from the stage.

Photo By TOM REEL

Workers install the flooring system during early construction on the Tobin Center on November 26, 2013.

Photo By TOM REEL

Construction on the Tobin Center continues on November 26, 2013. The photograph shows the view towards the stage. Below, workers install the $8 million flooring system that will go into different configurations with the flip of a switch.

Photo By TOM REEL

Construction on the Tobin Center continues on November 26, 2013. The photograph shows the view towards the stage. Below, workers install the $8 million flooring system that will go into different configurations with the flip of a switch.

Photo By TOM REEL

Construction on the Tobin Center continues on November 26, 2013. The photograph shows the view towards the stage. Below, workers install the $8 million flooring system that will go into different configurations with the flip of a switch.

Photo By TOM REEL

Construction on the Tobin Center continues on November 26, 2013. The photograph shows the view towards the stage. Below, workers install the $8 million flooring system that will go into different configurations with the flip of a switch.

Photo By TOM REEL

Birdseye view from the catwalk of the Tobin Center. Construction on the Tobin Center continues on November 26, 2013.

Photo By TOM REEL

Birdseye view from the catwalk of the Tobin Center. Construction on the Tobin Center continues on November 26, 2013.

Photo By TOM REEL

The photograph shows the area where the plaza at the back of theTobin Center will have access to the Riverwalk. The photo showed construction progress at the center on November 26, 2013.

Photo By Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News

Workers attend to detail on the front of the historic front of the old Municipal Auditorium which has been renamed the Tobin Center For the Performing Arts, on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo By Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News

Construction continues at the Tobin Center For the Performing Arts, on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo By Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News

A construction worker looks through building materials as construction continues at the Tobin Center For the Performing Arts, on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo By Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News

The back of the Tobin Center For the Performing Arts as seen from the River Walk, where construction continues at the center, on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo By Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News

Construction at the Tobin Center For the Performing Arts, on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The center is to be open this time next year.

Photo By Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News

Electricians work on the stage of the Tobin Center For the Performing Arts, as many other construction crews continue working in all parts of the facility, on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo By Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News

Looking at the back of the Tobin Center For the Performing Arts, on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The red area is seating for suites.

Photo By Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News

A look inside the Tobin Center For the Performing Arts, towards the stage, on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013.

Photo By JERRY LARA/San Antonio Express-News

Construction continues at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, April 29, 2013. The $203 million renovation is scheduled for a May 2014 completion date.

Photo By JERRY LARA/San Antonio Express-News

Sheet metal worker Johnny Torres works in the performance hall as construction continues at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, April 29, 2013. The $203 million renovation is scheduled for a May 2014 completion date.

Photo By JERRY LARA/San Antonio Express-News

Workers use scaffolding while working in the performance hall of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, April 29, 2013. The $203 million renovation is scheduled for a May 2014 completion date.

Photo By Lisa Krantz/San Antonio Express-News

Construction continues on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

A sample of the metallic exterior that will be used on the performance hall during construction on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Monday Oct. 29, 2012.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

A view of construction on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Monday Oct. 29, 2012.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

A view of construction on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Monday Oct. 29, 2012.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

A view of construction on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Monday Oct. 29, 2012.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

A view of construction on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Monday Oct. 29, 2012.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

A view of construction on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Monday Oct. 29, 2012.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

A view of construction on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Monday Oct. 29, 2012.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

A view of construction on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Monday Oct. 29, 2012.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

A view of construction on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Monday Oct. 29, 2012.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

A view of construction on the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Monday Oct. 29, 2012.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen in this Oct. 25, 2012 aerial photo. The Tobin Center is being built on the site of the former Municipal Auditorium, saving only the historically significant facade of the old building. The facility is expected to open in Fall 2014.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen in this Oct. 25, 2012 aerial photo. The Tobin Center is being built on the site of the former Municipal Auditorium, saving only the historically significant facade of the old building. The facility is expected to open in Fall 2014.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen in this Oct. 25, 2012 aerial photo. The Tobin Center is being built on the site of the former Municipal Auditorium, saving only the historically significant facade of the old building. The facility is expected to open in Fall 2014.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen in this Oct. 25, 2012 aerial photo. The Tobin Center is being built on the site of the former Municipal Auditorium, saving only the historically significant facade of the old building. The facility is expected to open in Fall 2014.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen in this Oct. 25, 2012 aerial photo. The Tobin Center is being built on the site of the former Municipal Auditorium, saving only the historically significant facade of the old building. The facility is expected to open in Fall 2014.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen in this Oct. 25, 2012 aerial photo. The Tobin Center is being built on the site of the former Municipal Auditorium, saving only the historically significant facade of the old building. The facility is expected to open in Fall 2014.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen in this Oct. 25, 2012 aerial photo. The Tobin Center is being built on the site of the former Municipal Auditorium, saving only the historically significant facade of the old building. The facility is expected to open in Fall 2014.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The still-under-construction Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is seen in this Oct. 25, 2012 aerial photo. The Tobin Center is being built on the site of the former Municipal Auditorium, saving only the historically significant facade of the old building. The facility is expected to open in Fall 2014.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The under-construction Tobin Center, formerly Municipal Auditorium, is seen in a Wednesday Aug. 1, 2012 aerial image. The performing arts facility is expected to open in Fall 2014.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The under-construction Tobin Center, formerly Municipal Auditorium, is seen in a Wednesday Aug. 1, 2012 aerial image. The performing arts facility is expected to open in Fall 2014.

Photo By Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News

Construction continues at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, June 18, 2012. Bexar County voters approved $100 million for the center in 2008. Formerly known as the Municipal Auditorium, the center is scheduled for completion in Fall 2014

Photo By Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News

Construction continues at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, June 18, 2012. Bexar County voters approved $100 million for the center in 2008. Formerly known as the Municipal Auditorium, the center is scheduled for completion in Fall 2014

Photo By Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News

Construction continues at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, June 18, 2012. Bexar County voters approved $100 million for the center in 2008. Formerly known as the Municipal Auditorium, the center is scheduled for completion in Fall 2014

Photo By Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News

Work continues at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, formerly the Municipal Auditorium, Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. The $195 million renovation is scheduled for completion in 2014. JERRY LARA/glara@express-news.net

Photo By BOB OWEN/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Construction workers use an extended lift to access one of the towers on the facade of the Municipal Auditorium, which, when completed in 2014, will be called the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Monday, Dec. 19, 2011. Photo Bob Owen/rowen@express-news.net

Photo By BILLY CALZADA/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Demolition crews have completed the removal of the roof at the former Municipal Auditorium as shown Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011. The municipal is undergoing a $195 million renovation that is scheduled for completion in 2014 and will convert it to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Plans include a 1,750 H-E-B Performance Hall, a 230-seat Studio Theatre and a performing arts plaza. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net

Photo By JERRY LARA/Jerry Lara/glara@express-news.net

Demolition continues at the former Municipal Auditorium, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. The municipal is undergoing a $195 million renovation that is scheduled for completion in 2014 and will convert it to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Plans include a 1,750 H-E-B Performance Hall, a 230-seat Studio Theatre and a performing arts plaza.

Photo By JERRY LARA/Jerry Lara/glara@express-news.net

Demolition continues at the former Municipal Auditorium, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. The municipal is undergoing a $195 million renovation that is scheduled for completion in 2014 and will convert it to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Plans include a 1,750 H-E-B Performance Hall, a 230-seat Studio Theatre and a performing arts plaza.

Photo By JERRY LARA/Jerry Lara/glara@express-news.net

Demolition continues at the former Municipal Auditorium, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. The municipal is undergoing a $195 million renovation that is scheduled for completion in 2014 and will convert it to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Plans include a 1,750 H-E-B Performance Hall, a 230-seat Studio Theatre and a performing arts plaza.

Photo By JERRY LARA/Jerry Lara/glara@express-news.net

Demolition continues at the former Municipal Auditorium, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. The municipal is undergoing a $195 million renovation that is scheduled for completion in 2014 and will convert it to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Plans include a 1,750 H-E-B Performance Hall, a 230-seat Studio Theatre and a performing arts plaza.

Photo By JERRY LARA/Jerry Lara/glara@express-news.net

Demolition continues at the former Municipal Auditorium, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. The municipal is undergoing a $195 million renovation that is scheduled for completion in 2014 and will convert it to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Plans include a 1,750 H-E-B Performance Hall, a 230-seat Studio Theatre and a performing arts plaza.

He said he was drawn to the Tobin job by the opportunity to launch a brand-new performing arts center.

“In the industry, this is one of the dream jobs,” he said. “It's just one of the best jobs to get.”

At the Bushnell, a two-theater complex, Fresher has booked a range of programming, including children's shows, touring Broadway productions, lectures and concerts. He will use those contacts to help program the Tobin, said J. Bruce Bugg, chairman of the Bexar County Performing Arts Foundation, which owns and will operate the new center.

Fresher's experience on the business side helped tilt things in his favor as the search committee winnowed down the list of finalists, Bugg said.

A Hartford Courant blog about Fresher's departure quoted David Fay, president and CEO of the Bushnell, as saying Fresher's “contributions to the organization have been many and varied; his leadership of our operational departments has allowed The Bushnell to expand and evolve the ways we do business while maintaining our premier level of customer service. While losing Mike won't be easy for The Bushnell, his new position at The Tobin Center is a perfect next step in his career, and we fully support his decision to begin this new professional and personal adventure.”

From an architecture standpoint, Fresher is impressed with the Tobin: “It's an exciting building,” he said.

Work on the $203 million project is on time and under budget, Bugg said.

The interior is taking shape. Scaffolding fills the center of the 1,750-seat H-E-B Performance Hall, the largest of the center's three spaces. The curved hall rises high in the air, though there's also a sense of intimacy to it.

The center will be home to the San Antonio Symphony and several other resident groups. Among other things, Fresher hopes to convey the message that the Tobin “is for everyone.”

He succeeds David Green, who served as interim managing director for about six months. Green will stick around to help ease Fresher's transition.

Green replaced Clarence E. “Bud” Franks, who stepped in after the death of Managing Director Rodney Smith in March 2011.

Fresher's first official day on the job will be May 21. Between now and then, he said, he will be touching base with Tobin board members and with staff members.